VOLUNTEERS
One of the most fun parts of a theatre production is properties. "Properties" are all of the objects used or placed on stage. This includes something as personal to an actress as a handkerchief to large pieces of furniture, animals, curtains and trees. Sometimes "properties" responsibilities are split between "props acquisition" and "props crew". Props acquisition consists of finding the specific items needed and getting them to the theatre. It’s like a treasure hunt and you need to be able to ask people to borrow. You also need to research the time and location of the play and find items which are appropriate. The number of "props" to be acquired may be from a couple of dozen to hundreds. Props acquisition usually starts at or before the beginning of rehearsals.
The props crew are the people who make sure that every prop is in its correct position on stage and that every actor has what is needed for a scene. The crew also makes the property changes between acts. It takes an organized mind to serve on a props crew and a thorough knowledge of the show, and why something is needed is also required.
When the props acquired don’t help convince you of the time and location of the play or look out of place on stage, a show suffers. And when the props crew fails in props placement on stage or in getting the actors what is needed and at the right time, the show turns into a disaster. So props are crucial and we’re looking for people who are self-starters and need some fun in their lives.
SPOTLIGHT
ON
. . .
Before the next Behind the Scenes goes to press, two of our theatre’s mainstays will have moved to a new beginning in Ulysses.
Ted and Taunya Lindahl have been invaluable members of our cast and crew in many, many past productions.
Ted has been our set and properties construction expert for a long time and has also acted in a couple of shows. And, he’s been responsible for much of the upkeep on our buildings on 9th Street.
Taunya has appeared in about a dozen shows. And, she’s been crucial to the success of our marketing program, including this newsletter. She’s decorated sets, done makeup, is a properties whiz and knows her way around the costume department.
In addition, whenever general pickup and cleanup work has been needed at our buildings on 9th, Ted and Taunya are there.
In short, we don’t know how we’re going to make it without them. Certainly, not as well.
Our theatre’s loss aside, we wish them new friends and adventures in their move and send with them our everlasting thanks for all these years before and behind the footlights.
BREATH OF SPRING
We greatly appreciate responses to our productions whether complimenting or critical. The cast of Breath of Spring was overjoyed that so many who attended enjoyed their performances. Because of the ensemble nature of the play, it was more difficult to produce than many. Everyone worked very hard on the show (we always do). Kudos go to all involved.
NEXT SPRING
April seems a long way off now, but we’re already gearing up for the spring production of Come Back, Little Sheba. Bob Roe will be directing his first drama. You know him well from his comedy acting and from comedies he’s directed. Written by the Kansas playwright, William Inge, it became an instant classic when written in 1949. Shirley Booth made the role of Lola one of the most memorable in all of theatre with her dazzling performances of the role which resulted in a Tony for her. The play evolves around Doc and Lola’s life together, their lost dreams, and the reality from which two flawed but ultimately loving people, can’t escape. The play will be most appreciated by those who love theatre and its ability to touch your heart.
